History
Wilmington is widely
recognized as a cultural center for the development and appreciation of music and the arts.
The arts have flourished here since the first production of America's oldest little theatre group in Thalian Hall on
December 3, 1858. The Wilmington Symphony, Wilmington Civic Ballet, and the Wilmington Concert Association present
quality programs, and the North Carolina symphony makes four performances here each season.
Since the first Azalea Festival in 1948, nationally known performers have entertained during concerts and pageants.
Other musical events are firmly established in Wilmington, including the annual North Carolina Jazz Festival, Old
Wilmington by Candlelight, and the Albert Schweitzer International Prizes and Concerts.
The Schweitzer awards recognize achievements in medicine, music, and the humanities and are the only prizes of
their kind in the world.
Along with regular performances of the Wilmington Symphony and the UNCW Music Department, Wilmington residents
and visitors enjoy a wide variety of musical events. The Wilmington Academy of Music was established to perpetuate
and refine the talents of the Wilmington musical community.
In 1968 Nancy McAllister developed the current New Hanover County string program and is the founder of the
Wilmington Academy of Music.
As an orchestra director in New Hanover County Schools for 20 years, Nancy McAllister has built a reputation
for her energy and love for music.
For over 30 years Nancy McAllister has taught violin, piano, organ, composition and conducted orchestras in
Iowa, Michigan, Illinois, Ohio, and North Carolina. Many of her students are now teaching and / or performing
professionally throughout the United States.
Mrs. McAllister attended Northwestern University and holds her B.M. and B.M.E. from Denison University where
she received the award for being the outstanding musician for 4 years. She received her M.A. degree in Musicology
while a Graduate Assistant at UNC in Chapel Hill.
Nancy's performance experience includes the Greensboro Symphony, the Columbus Symphony, and the Triangle Symphony.
She has performed extensively as a soloist in orchestras in Chicago, Michigan, Iowa, Ohio, and North Carolina.